Explore our property for sale in Le Grand Bornand
Discover Le Grand Bornand
Le Grand-Bornand is a popular village within the Massif des Aravis ski area that encompasses the traditional mountain village resorts of La Clusaz, Le Manigod and St Jean-de-Sixt as well as Le Grand-Bornand. The area’s proximity to both Annecy and Geneva means the villages are very popular second-home destinations for city-dwellers. Each village has its own unique character, the feel is very much traditional rather than purpose-built, despite the whole area encompassing 211km of ski pistes.
The picturesque Chaîne des Aravis straddles the Savoie/Haute-Savoie border and forms part of the French Pre-Alps to the west of the higher range of mountains that includes Mont Blanc. The Aravis range culminates at the Pointe Percée (2753 metres). The area provides beautiful scenery across all the seasons. All the resorts are traditional mountain villages at relatively low altitudes of between 950-1,100 metres and have maintained their charm and character. La Clusaz is the most developed of the Massif des Aravis resorts with a wide range of hotels and shops. Both Manigod and Le Grand-Bornand have extensions at 1500 metres (Le Resort) and at 1300 metres (Le Chinaillon) respectively.
Le Grand-Bornand is considered to be the “pearl” of the Chaîne des Aravis and is considered by the French to be a prestigious winter sports destination. The village maintains a balancing act between the traditional village charm, with over 400 wooden chalets, and the demands of the modern day.
Altitude 1000m – 1200m
84 km of ski pistes
48 ski pistes, 24 ski lifts, extensive snow making
One of the best snow parks in the French Alps
58 km of Nordic skiing
1 Hour from Geneva airport
The 211km of ski pistes across the 4 Massif des Aravis resorts are linked via a regular shuttle bus between Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz. The area’s specific micro-climate around the Aravis range results in an excellent snow record allowing 4-5 months skiing over the winter. There is skiing for all levels with 12 black runs, 46 red runs, 43 blue runs and 33 green runs. La Clusaz is famous for its many and varied freeride opportunities and has hosted the Freestyle World Championships. There is extensive cross-country skiing with 37 pistes covering 150km across the area.
Le Grand-Bornand itself has over 84km of skiing as well as 58km or Nordic skiing. There are 48 pistes, 5 black, 15 red, 13 blue and 15 green runs. The most difficult ski run is Lachat, which starts at the top of Mont Lachat from where there are wonderful 360 degree views of the Chaîne des Aravis. Le Grand-Bornand also has an extensive snow park that is regularly ranked as one of the most spectacular in the French Alps. The snow park is accessible for all and includes a big air bag, boarder crosses and kickers/rails ranging in size from XS-XXL. The resort is suitable for all standards of both skiing and snowboarding.
The Massif des Aravis is a wonderful area to explore in the summer with all of the usual activities on offer. There are 16 itineraries to explore across 168 km of MTB trails. Hikers have a huge choice of paths across the region, all with wonderful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Other activities include lake swimming and 3 water parks, Via-Ferrata & rock climbing, paragliding and golf courses at La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand.
Le Grand-Bornand is popular with cyclists as it regularly hosts the Tour de France. Le Grand Bornand and Aravis mountain ranges offer a special lift pass that covers over 200km of marked mountain bike trails. For a more leisurely day, Annecy is only 30 minutes away from Le Grand-Bornand, definitely worth a visit with its dramatic mountain backdrop and turquoise waters and there are lots of bars, restaurants and shops nestled among the waterways and old buildings.
